PE teacher apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this role
University
You can do a sport or physical education degree with qualified teacher status (QTS).
You can also complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE), if you have a first degree without QTS. This can be done at university or on a school-based training programme.
There are more training options if you want to change career or specialise in teaching certain subjects.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths at grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) for primary school teaching. You'll need 2 to 3 A-levels, or equivalent, for a degree. For postgraduate study, you'll need a degree in a relevant subject.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this career through a postgraduate teaching apprenticeship, if you have a degree. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science for primary school teaching. You might also need a degree for a teaching apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to get into teaching, if you're a PE or sports graduate, by working as a sports coach in a school, then moving onto a teacher training programme.
You'll need coaching qualifications in your specialist sport to do this.
Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some experience of working with young people though this is not essential. You can do this through paid work or by volunteering at a school, doing youth work or coaching at a sports club.
You'll usually need qualified teacher status (QTS) to teach in a state school in England.
You can attend teacher training events before you apply to get advice about the profession, the different training routes and funding. You can attend events in person and online.
Learning to drive is useful, as you may be expected to drive a minibus to take teams of pupils to sports events.
PE teacher apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- be able to motivate and inspire pupils of all abilities
- to take part and learn new skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
PE teacher apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You will:
- prepare lessons and teaching materials
- teach and coach a range of sports and physical activities to pupils of different ages and abilities
- manage class behaviour, motivate and encourage all pupils to take part
- work with learning support assistants to help pupils with special educational needs and disabilities
- set and mark assignments and prepare pupils for exams
- attend meetings and training
talk to parents and carers about their children's progress
- work with other professionals such as educational psychologists, counsellors, social workers and mentors
- organise events like sports days, field trips and matches with other schools and colleges
- take registers, update records and write reports
Working environment
You could work at a school or at a college.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.
Career path and progression - PE teacher apprenticeships
You could become a specialist leader of education, supporting teachers in other schools. You could also become a curriculum leader, head of department, deputy head or headteacher.
You could use your experience to work in coaching or sports development.